Japan Awaits

Immerse yourself in the magical world of the Yokote Kamakura Snow Hut Festival with our exclusive 2-day, 1-night tour! This enchanting festival, held for over 450 years, transforms the snow-covered city of Yokote into a winter wonderland, with hundreds of snow huts (kamakura) glowing with candlelight. Guided by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, you’ll explore the festival’s rich traditions, enjoy local specialties like mochi and amazake, and witness the captivating Bonden Ceremony, where elaborately decorated poles are paraded through the streets in a centuries-old spiritual ritual. With expertly arranged accommodations and front-row access to the festival’s highlights, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and winter charm—an unforgettable experience in the heart of Japan’s snowy landscapes.

Celebrated for over 450 years, the Yokote Kamakura Snow Hut Festival transforms the snow-covered city of Yokote in Akita Prefecture into a glowing winter wonderland. This ancient festival was originally created to honor a Shinto water deity, with locals building kamakura—snow huts that serve as altars for offerings, where they would pray for water, a bountiful harvest, and the well-being of the community.

Today, the festival continues its deep-rooted traditions while offering visitors a mesmerizing experience. As night falls, more than 100 large kamakura are illuminated from within, casting a warm, flickering glow across the city. Visitors are warmly welcomed into these snow huts by local children, where they can enjoy freshly grilled mochi and sip on warm amazake, all while offering prayers at the altar for blessings of water and prosperity. Due to its popularity and the limited accommodations in this charming town, the festival sees extremely high demand, making early booking essential for those wishing to experience this unforgettable event.

Festival Schedule

February 15th & February 16th: Kamakura Snow Huts, Snow Art, and Bonden Figure Competition

Kamakura Snow Huts (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

• Visit over 100 large kamakura at key locations:
  • Yokote City Hall Main Building
  • Former Katano Residence
  • Yokote Park Venue
  • Futaba-cho

Mini Kamakura Snow Huts (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

• Experience the magical sight of thousands of mini kamakura at Janosaki River Bed and Yokote Minami Elementary School.

Snow Art (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

• Admire stunning snow sculptures created by local organizations in Komyoji Park and throughout the city.

Bonden Figure Competition (9:30 AM – 12:00 PM)

• Witness a lively competition at Yokote City Hall where local groups display ornately decorated bonden—wooden poles carried in the Bonden Ceremony.

February 17th: Bonden Figure Competition & Bonden Ceremony

Asahiokayama Shrine Bonden Ceremony (Morning)

• Participate in the Bonden Ceremony, where young men carry five-meter-tall decorated bonden poles through the town to offer them to the gods at Asahiokayama Shrine. This 300-year-old tradition is a spiritual highlight of the festival.

Tour Options

Choose the tour based on your preferred activities:

Option 1: February 15-16

Day 1 (February 15): Arrival and Guided Tour of Yokote

• 3:00 PM – Hotel Check-in and Meet Your Guide
  Arrive at your hotel in Yokote and check in. Here, you will meet your friendly, English-speaking guide, who will help you get settled and provide an overview of the Yokote Kamakura Festival, along with tailored recommendations for your visit.

• 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM – Guided Tour of Yokote
  Embark on a 3-hour guided tour to explore the highlights of Yokote City and the Kamakura Festival. During this tour, your guide will introduce you to the kamakura snow huts, explaining their cultural and historical significance and the various locations where they will be illuminated in the evening. You’ll also learn about the construction of these snow huts and how they have become a cherished symbol of the festival. Your guide will provide insights on what to expect during the evening, including visiting the large kamakura at key locations like Yokote City Hall, Former Katano Residence, and Yokote Park, as well as the magical mini kamakura at the Janosaki River Bed and Yokote Minami Elementary School.

• 6:30 PM – Explore the Festival on Your Own
  After the tour, continue your adventure independently. Armed with a map and your guide’s recommendations, you can stroll through the festival’s snow-lit paths, visiting kamakura, sampling local delicacies like mochi and amazake, and enjoying the warmth and hospitality of the community.

Day 2 (February 16): Free Exploration of the Kamakura Festival

• Breakfast at the Hotel
  Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out.

• Full Day of Free Exploration
  On Day 2, you’ll have the opportunity to dive deeper into the Kamakura Festival at your own pace. With your guide’s recommendations from the previous day, explore additional kamakura sites and parts of the festival you may have missed. Take your time discovering lesser-known areas, participate in local activities, and make the most of your final festival experience.

• 10:00 AM – Hotel Checkout
  After breakfast, check out of your hotel. Feel free to continue exploring Yokote for the rest of the day based on your interests.

Option 2: February 16-17

Day 1 (February 16): Arrival and Guided Tour of Yokote

• 3:00 PM – Hotel Check-in and Meet Your Guide
  Check in at your hotel in Yokote and meet your English-speaking guide. Your guide will assist with check-in and luggage storage while providing an introduction to the Yokote Kamakura Festival, along with a personalized itinerary for your stay.

• 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM – Guided Tour of Yokote
  During this 3-hour guided tour, your guide will introduce you to the kamakura snow huts, explaining their cultural significance, the tradition behind their construction, and where you can see them illuminated later in the evening. Your guide will provide insights on what to expect during the evening, including visiting the large kamakura at key locations like Yokote City Hall, Former Katano Residence, and Yokote Park, as well as the magical mini kamakura at the Janosaki River Bed and Yokote Minami Elementary School. The guide will also introduce the Bonden Ceremony happening on February 17, explaining its cultural and spiritual significance, so you’ll be prepared to experience it the next day.

• 6:30 PM – Explore the Festival on Your Own
  After the guided tour, continue exploring the festival at your own pace. Your guide will give you a map and recommendations for places to visit. Take time to enjoy the illuminated kamakura, meet locals, and savor traditional festival foods like mochi and amazake.

Day 2 (February 17): Free Exploration and Bonden Ceremony

• Breakfast at the Hotel
  Begin your morning with breakfast at the hotel.

• Asahiokayama Shrine Bonden Ceremony
  Participate in the Asahiokayama Shrine Bonden Ceremony during the morning. Watch as young men carry five-meter-tall wooden poles, known as bonden, through the town to offer to the gods at the shrine. This ceremony is a 300-year-old tradition that symbolizes prayers for safety, prosperous business, and a bountiful harvest. The vibrant procession and spiritual significance of the ceremony make it a must-see for festival-goers.

• 10:00 AM – Hotel Checkout
  After checking out of the hotel, you are free to continue exploring the festival. You can revisit the kamakura sites, enjoy local food stalls, admire snow sculptures, or simply soak in the festive atmosphere of the Yokote Snow Festival.

Inclusions:

• Overnight accommodation in Yokote City
• Breakfast at the hotel
• English-speaking tour guide on the first day
• Service fees and taxes

Exclusions:

• Gratuities (optional)
• Drinks and additional meals
• Minibar, laundry, and other onsite services
• Other activities during free time

Availability:

This tour is available during the Yokote Kamakura Festival, held on the following dates:

• February 15-16, 2024
• February 16-17, 2024

Pricing:

¥66,000 per person (1 person only)

¥33,000 per person (Group of 2 people)

Please note that our pricing is based on room occupancy, and the accommodation is designed for two people. For single occupancy, a single room supplement applies, and the price for one person will be the same as for two people. No discounts or adjustments are available for single occupancy, as the accommodation is charged on a room basis.

Accommodation

Since Yokote is a charming, small town, accommodation options are limited and in high demand during the festival. We partner with comfortable 3-star hotels that offer standard rooms—simple, clean, and cozy, providing a relaxing retreat after a day at the festival. Due to the high demand during this special time, we carefully secure these rooms well in advance to ensure our guests enjoy a comfortable stay amidst the festivities.

Attire

The Yokote Kamakura Snow Hut Festival takes place during winter, when temperatures often drop to around -3°C (26°F) or lower, especially in the evening. Please dress warmly and appropriately for these cold conditions. We recommend wearing insulated clothing, thermal layers, a heavy winter coat, a hat, gloves, and warm boots. In such cold weather, heat packs and scarves can also be helpful. The tour operates in all weather conditions (except in the event of a typhoon or other extreme circumstances). If needed, the itinerary may be slightly adjusted to accommodate weather changes.

Non-Smoking

While most places we visit may be non-smoking establishments, there are some places along the way that may allow smoking in designated areas. Please take note of this for guests who are sensitive to smoke.

Age Requirement

A booking must be made for each person. Adult pricing applies to guests age 5+.

Requirement

• To secure your accommodations, please provide the full names and birth dates of all guests.
• A valid passport is essential for travel and must be presented on the day of your departure.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Cancellation Policy

Strict Cancellation Policy:

What is the “Yokote Kamakura Festival”?

The “Yokote Kamakura Festival”, held on February 15th and 16th in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, is renowned for its enchanting snow huts, or “kamakura,” illuminated with candles. The festival honors Suijin, the water deity, and symbolizes a prayer for abundant water. Visitors can enjoy traditional treats like rice cakes and amazake while experiencing the festival’s magical winter ambiance and local hospitality.

How far in advance should I book?

Due to high demand and limited room availability during the festival, we highly recommend booking your tour at least 3 months in advance to secure accommodations and ensure your spot. Rooms fill up quickly, so early booking is essential to guarantee your place during this special time.

Looking for a tour in a different city?

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